Now with 4K: Fujifilm X-T2 offers 24MP, improved AF and video specs

Fujifilm has updated its premium SLR-style X-series lineup with the X-T2, bringing 4K video capture to its lineup for the first time.

The camera uses the 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor first seen in the X-Pro2 and also includes an upgraded hybrid AF system with more focus points, as well as an AF-point selection joystick a la the X-Pro2. There's also a faster top mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000 sec (1/32,000 sec with the electronic electronic), an improved AF-C algorithm and an overall boost in response times when using the camera. Like the X-T1, this camera is weather-sealed.

The X-T2 offers an unchanged 2.36 million-dot OLED EVF carried over from its predecessor, but the 1.04 million-dot 3" LCD has an additional hinge for waist-level portrait-orientation shooting. An optional 'Vertical Power Booster Grip' is offered. The grip houses two batteries and lives up to its name by 'boosting' mechanical shutter burst shooting to 11 fps (from 8 fps), reducing shutter lag and blackout time slightly and allowing for 30 minutes of 4K capture (as opposed to 10).

An EF-X500 hot shoe flash is also introduced for the system, offering a guide number of 50 with a tilting flash head.

The Fujifilm X-T2 will be available in September for $1,599.95 body-only, or bundled with the XF18-55mm for $1,899.95. The EF-XF500 flash will also be available in September for $449.99.

Fujifilm Unveils the New X-T2, the Ultimate Mirrorless Camera with New Autofocus System and 4K Video Shooting

X-T2 gives users cutting-edge performance that delivers premium imaging quality in a classic design that is a joy to use; New FUJIFILM EF-X500 flash arrives

Valhalla, N.Y., July 7, 2016 – As a leader in advanced digital camera technology and outstanding image quality, FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the new FUJIFILM X-T2, a splash-resistant premium interchangeable lens camera with a large OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF). The X-T2 houses the latest generation 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III with an APS-C sensor with no low-pass filter, boasting the highest performance in the history of X Series. The new X-T2 produces crisp image resolution comparable to that of cameras equipped with larger sensors and higher pixel counts, all in a more compact and classically-designed body.

And for the first time, the new FUJIFILM X-T2 now supports 4K video recording that can use each available Film Simulation mode, including ACROS, to easily produce premium-quality footage that is as unique as the photographer behind the viewfinder.

Dramatic improvement to auto focus system The FUJIFILM X-T2 receives a dramatically improved auto focus system (AF) that increases the overall single AF points to 325, and the number of Zone focusing points to 91 (expanded from 49 in previous models). Approximately 40% of the imaging area (center area containing 49 focusing points) is covered with phase detection auto focus pixels to form a fast and precise phase detection auto focus area that can be used in a variety of scenes.

With the high-speed X-Processor Pro and the use of improved algorithms, the X-T2 now refocuses more frequently, enabling predictive AF of advanced accuracy.

The X-T2 also has an enhanced ability to autofocus on small points of light, low-contrast objects and subjects with fine and delicate textures such as bird feathers and animal fur.

The X-T2’s performance of contrast detection AF, enabled for approximately 65% of the imaging area, has also been improved. The data read speed has been doubled compared to previous models to achieve AF performance of higher speed and precision. Photographers will enjoy accurate focusing is all shooting situations, even in low light with a -3EV.

Another area of improvement is the AF-C algorithm that has been significantly enhanced for even higher accuracy when focus-tracking moving subjects in the AF-C mode. According to the type of movement, users can choose individual settings for Subject Retention Characteristic, Acceleration / Deceleration Tracking Characteristic and Focus Zone Characteristic, or select one of five presets or customize specific settings for these three elements.

Image QualityFujifilm’s commitment to superior image quality remains a guiding principle, and the FUJIFILM X-T2 is the latest effort to deliver outstanding picture resolution, all from a compact and sophisticated body that is both weather-sealed and easy to travel with in any location. With Fujifilm’s proprietary image design technology, produced through the development of photographic films, the X-T2 reproduces warm skin tones, bright blue skies and rich green foliage in beautiful colors, just as you remember seeing in real life. The X-T2 includes the ACROS Film Simulation for smooth gradation, deep blacks and beautiful textures to create monochrome images that far outperform even the most demanding expectations.

The X-T2 also has the Grain Effect function for reproducing distinctive graininess seen in photographs taken with film cameras. The function is available in Strong and Weak options, and can be combined with any of the Film Simulation modes. You can easily obtain the effect of film-based photos, notable especially when the image is printed out.

Speedy throughoutBasic response specifications, such as startup time, shooting interval and shutter release time lag, have all been improved to the extreme in pursuit of a camera that operates exactly as the photographer demands. The high-speed processing power and the use of improved algorithms have significantly improved the basic autofocus performance, and X-T2 now gives users AF-C Custom Settings for even higher accuracy in focus-tracking moving subjects.

The X-T2’s electronic viewfinder, which is used to continuously track a moving subject, is capable of displaying up to 100 frames per second, while also maintaining the magnification ratio of 0.77x and the display time lag of 0.005 seconds. The duration of the viewfinder blackout, in which the evf blacks out temporarily while the camera reads picture data, has been reduced by more than half, enabling continuous shooting to ensure tracking subject movements.

Body and grip offer ultimate stabilityThe X-T2’s body is fully made of magnesium alloy making it not only compact and lightweight, but also solid and highly durable. The X-T2 body has weather-proofing at 63 points to achieve a high level of resistance to dust and moisture, and coupled with its ability to operate in temperatures down to 14°F, is ready for full-fledged field photography. Similar ruggedness is applied to the new Vertical Power Booster Grip.

The Vertical Power Booster Grip (optional VPB-XT2) is a dust-resistant grip, rugged and capable of operating at temperatures as low as 14°F that maximizes the performance of the X-T2 beyond expectations. It fits two batteries, bringing the total number of batteries the X-T2 can use to three, including the one in-camera, to increase the maximum number of frames that can be taken per charge to approximately 1,000 (Normal mode). In the Boost mode, multiple batteries can operate at the same time to give a boost to camera performance in continuous shooting, shooting interval, shutter release time lag and blackout time, while also extending the duration of 4K video recording to approximately 30 minutes.

The Vertical Power Booster Grip also features a shutter release button, focus thumbstick, AE-L button, AF-L button, command dials, Q button and Fn button and headphone jack to enable audio monitoring during video recording to provide the same level of excellent operability in vertical shooting as you get in horizontal operation. The grip itself has battery-charging functionality where by using the AC adapter supplied (AC-9VS), users can fully charge two batteries at the same time in about two hours.

FUJIFILM EF-X500 FlashThe new high-end multi-function external FUJIFILM EF-X500 Flash is now official for the lineup of accessories for the X Series of digital cameras. The EF-X500 is a hot-shoe mount flash with a maximum guide number of approximately 50, and includes support for the FP mode (high-speed flash sync) so that the flash can be fired at any shutter speed. Photographers can now concentrate on shooting when a faster shutter speed is required, for example, in order to use a near-maximum aperture to produce beautiful bokeh.

The EF-X500 also supports multi-flash lighting. Users can set up multiple flashes to freely control light on a subject and background for a creative result. Through-the-lens (TTL) lighting control is available with single flash and also in the multi-flash setup, so that users can start shooting without having to make cumbersome adjustments to light output.

EF-X500 Flash key features:

Maximum guide number of approximately 50 (ISO100･m) / 164 (ISO100·ft) • Zooming the illumination angle for the focal lengths of 24mm - 105mm, and covering the illumination angle of approximately 20mm when the wide panel is used

Flash head that can be tilted up by 90° degrees, down by 10° degrees, to the left by 135° degrees and to the right by 180° degrees for bouncing light

Equipped with LED video light that can also be used as AF assist light and catch light

Registers up to ten combinations of various setting to suit specific shooting conditions in advance for quick activation when needed

FUJIFILM X-T2 key features:

24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III Sensor

Dust and moisture-resistant body with approximately 63 points of weather sealing; Freeze resistance to 14°F

High-precision 0.48-inch, 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder- Viewfinder magnification for digital cameras of 0.77x - Wide viewing angle (diagonal 38° and horizontal 31°) - Ultra-fast Real Time Viewfinder with a lag-time of 0.005sec (less than 1/10 of existing models) - Automatic Brightness Adjustment function - EVF refreshes at a rate of 60fps, or as high as 100fps in the Boost mode - Continuous shooting of 5fps in Live View

Full 4K 3840x2160 30P/25P/24P shooting (Using a card with the UHS Speed Class 3 or higher) - Continuous recording: up to approximately 10 minutes - Full HD 1920x1080 60P/50P/30P/25P/24P, Continuous recording: up to approximately 15 minutes - HD 1280x720 60P/50P/30P/25P/24P, Continuous recording: up to approximately 29 minutes

Four different display modes: Full, Normal, Dual and Vertical - Full mode: Displays shooting information at the top and bottom of the screen to avoid obstruction of the view - Dual mode: Adds a small second screen for checking focus point with Focus Peak Highlight or Digital Split Image - Normal mode: Lets you concentrate on framing the shot in Auto Focus mode while keeping you aware of how the shooting conditions are changing, making it the perfect setting for sports and action photography - Portrait mode: When in Full or Normal modes, it rotates the shooting information interface when the camera is turned vertically

Availability and PricingThe new FUJIFILM X-T2 (body only) will be available in September 2016 in the U.S. for USD $1,599.95. The X-T2 and XF18-55mm (27-84mm) kit will be available in September 2016 in the U.S. for USD $1,899.95.

The FUJIFILM EF-X500 Flash will be available in September 2016 in the U.S. for USD $449.99.

Comments

Hi there,I just bought an XT-2 with the 35mm 1.4. The 35mm has a center resolution of 2613 line pairs over the image height and just 1421 at the edges. Therefore I only want to use the larger aperture in really low light conditions. The lens reaches optimum sharpness at f5.6, so I want to move thereto if possible. The auto-iso modi of the XT-2 however do not seem to support this. With increasing light, this mode, independently of the settings, first reduces shutter time, then reduces iso-value and finally reduces the aperture. So more or less all pictures are taken at f1.4, for which the sharpness is doubtful and of course the depth of field is minimal. Most other cameras offer an auto-mode which in a clever way choose between iso-value/aperture and shutter. For example the Sonys and Panasonics do this very well.

The only thing for a serious shooter to buy an XT2 from another system will be its continuous shooting capability in wildlife/sport. That brings us to its buffer size, tracking AF system and ...of course availability of decent telephoto lenses above 400mm.

Because there are not good lenses made specifically made for the a6300, it lacks manual controls, UI is terrible, it lacks AF selection joystick, it lacks weather sealing, it lacks accessories, it lacks a proprietary flash system and it lacks double SD cards.

Agreed, I just don't get why people still seem to look down on Fuji. The sensor when used with the right Post production software and their line up of lens represents quality that is basically unattainable at the price point. Okay so a A6300 might be cheaper that the Fuji, but you have to buy some serious glass in order to get it to compete with the Fuji lenses ergo it ends up being more expensive as as thx1138 pointed out less well speced. Oh and Fuji images just look better :)

I own the X-T1, and I don't understand your comment, Favorable Exponynt. My camera still works. It didn't break just because an X-T2 was announced. I haven't heard a paying client tell me that I need to upgrade.

Because now your camera just isn't good enough anymore. It's yesterdays news. A dinosaur you have to buy the new one or suffer the pity of the 24mp 4k shooting this is much better crowd. Yeah nice photo, but just not sharp enough. 16mp is just not enough.

That's really true. Pentaxusers are totally different from Sony/Fuji. They are quiet, polite and mostly highly professional. It's really striking somehow. Fujiuser think they invented the world new (better than fullframe, you know) and Sonyusers push the shadows by 6 stops. Why? No one knows. I guess they only want to show it's possible.

The Pentaxuser goes out, enjoys the cam and mostly keeps the body for 10 years++. Funny.

@vscd,That's because Pentax for now is a "tool" over "cool". It's not something oriented towards the mass market. People who buy Pentax do so because they know exactly why they need it and it is definitely not for the reason of boasting on forums or scream about it being the best way ever. And there are way fewer Pentax owners, plain and simple.

If Pentax ever has a much larger share of the market and start releasing more mass-market oriented cameras, you will see as many Pentax fans raving about it being oh so best ever.

I will be buying it for the 4k, the toggling knobs on the SS and ISO dial, the fact that video mode is selectable and recording is started with the SHutter button not some silly little button somewhere else and the improved AF and AF joystick. I would happily buy it with all that and 16MP, the sensor is the last thing i am buying it for as I am extremely happy with the image quality from the X-T1, I actually think some of the images I have seen from the X-T2 are overly clinical, and I suspect my clarity and sharpness sliders will be getting dusty once I have an X-T2

Abbas: I have a D600 that I use alongside my X-T1, and I often prefer using the latter. I wouldn't put them in the same category, nor would I compare a 4-year-old DSLR to a brand-new, yet-to-be-released mirrorless camera that have radically different target audiences. Plus, all the cameras you mentioned are the exact same price or more expensive than the X-T2 here in the US.

Nobby2016: I don't know what everyone else does with their cameras, but I use my Fuji camera to make photos.

the D750 is in a different class of camera than the 6D, which is why there's a $650 price differential between them. and the XT2 has a better focus AF module than D610, among other things. but whatever. i won't try to convince you, since your mind is already made up.

Villagranvincent, in the end what matters is where you point your camera and how well you get to be able to use the camera. If we are talking about technical advantages it depends on what you are shooting, why would FF output will always be better? FF has less DOF, DOF is good for landscape, for street shooting, for macro photography... The extra reach of APS sensors is good for wildlife and soports.

There you have it, not everyone is shooting headshots with an 80mm F1.2.

I think you find that we talk about the 'look' of our images. I don't care how my camera looks. I actually think the X-t1 and 2 are ugly I would much prefer an X-E2 or hell I actualy really like the look of the A6300 streamlined etc. HOwever i bought a FUji because I pored over review images, and flickr pools of all the cameras I liked the look of and the images from the Fuji I consistenly prefered. I think that one shoudl really start with the look of a camera's output and go from there really. I do love hte controls on the X-t1 having come from a film background its infinitely preferable to me to have hands on control of the Exposure triangle without having to guess which knob or button combination will do what I want. IN additino with the primes and fixed aperture zoom i can see at a glance what my settings are even before I turn the camera on.

That's the standard lower temperature limit for most cameras that are marketed as "freeze proof", including so called tough compacts. It doesn't mean that the camera suddenly stops working, just that the manufacturer doesn't guarantee that it will operate without problems below that limit.

These performance enhancements and new accessories take what was already a very good camera and put it into the territory of the top pro offerings from Canon/Nikon. If Fuji can now set up a pro service a la NPS/CPS, and get its gear into rental houses, there won't be any need whatsoever to deal with Canon or Nikon unless you just want to.

Well, there's the XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6, weather-sealed with 5-stop image stabilization - equivilent to 152-609mm in 35mm, or twice that - 254-1218mm with the 2X teleconverter. I'm sure longer telephotos will be coming, but that ought to do in the meantime.

Also the 50-140mm with 2x TC is a fairly compelling offering gives you the classic 70-200mm F2.8 equivalent for portraiture etc, but with the TC it becomes 150mm-420mm equivalent F5.6 which would be better at F4 but still it does a job of work for most wildlife and sports only really struggle with that for birding.

Oh and its pretty damn fast to focus on the X-T1 so its only going to get better with the X-T2 It also has 5 stops image stabilization both natively and with the 2x TC

wrong camera for video... new camera but worst than a 2 years old camera such as the Samsung NX1, or the older Sony A6300...summing up:no selfie screen;no touch screen;no 1080p 120fps;crop video, in 4K;Much more expensive...NEXT... ;)

is it better than the A6300/NX1 in video? Does it crops 4k like the A6300? Dos it offers 1080p 120fps, slo mo? What about low light? Thanks... the articulated selfie screen is what is lacking on the A6330/Samsung Nx1...

UPDATED: Fujifilm will launch a couple of major firmware updates for its X-T2 and X-Pro2 cameras. Features on the way include focal length-dependent minimum shutter speed in ISO auto and added tools for video shooters. Read more

For the most part a glittering parade of the utterly unnecessary, CES does occasionally throw up a gem for camera geeks. Last year it was Nikon's D500 and D5, and this year we're very taken with Fujifilm's new 'Graphite' editions of the X-T2 and X-Pro2. Read more

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